Search

Kaon physics is at an important experimental juncture with respect to the ongoing measurements of several observables. This work will build on the existing status by formulating different phenomenological analyses corresponding to different paths that may lie ahead. Beginning with the golden channels, $K^\rightarrow\pi^\nu\bar\nu$ and $K_L\rightarrow\pi^0\nu\bar\nu$, the paper will eventually cast the spotlight on the importance of a precise measurement of BR($K_L\rightarrow\pi^0\ell\bar\ell$). The phenomenological analyses involve sequentially adding kaon physics observables at the projected final precision of their respective measurements to the global fit. More specifically, we consider three different scenarios with different sets of observables assumed at their final precisions. Beginning with BR($K^\rightarrow\pi^\nu\bar\nu$) and BR($K_L\rightarrow\pi^0\nu\bar\nu$), we sequentially add BR($K_L\rightarrow\pi^0 e\bar e$) and BR($K_L\rightarrow\pi^0 \mu\bar\mu$) to the global fit. The evolution of the result from one scenario to the next makes a strong case for the consideration of future measurement of R($K_L\rightarrow\pi^0\ell\bar\ell$)., Comment: 14 pages, 4 figures, 1 table

The rare kaon decay $K^+ \to \pi^+\ell^+\ell^-$ offers insights into Standard Model (SM) physics and beyond. Driven by vector form factor in the SM, it can also probe non-standard contributions. In this letter we study the scalar contribution, $f_S$. Using differential decay width and Forward-Backward Asymmetry we propose a simultaneous fit to vector and scalar contributions which is necessary for a consistent analysis. Novel bounds on $|f_S|$ are presented for the first time through a reinterpretation of the E865, NA48/2, and NA62 experimental results. The analysis results in the most precise bound $f_S < 7.9\times 10^{-6}$ at 90$\%$ confidence level., Comment: References added, Improved discussion of the results. 9 pages, 2 Tables, 1 Figure

Rare kaon decays offer a powerful tool for investigating new physics in $s\to d$ transitions. Currently, many of the interesting decay modes are either measured with rather large uncertainties compared to their theoretical predictions or have not yet been observed. The future HIKE programme at CERN will provide unprecedented sensitivity to rare kaon decays, allowing for strong constraints on new physics scenarios with lepton flavour universality violation. We present the overall picture that emerges from a study of the different decay modes with a global analysis considering projections based on the HIKE programme, both with and without KOTO-II future measurements. We also highlight the most relevant decays and identify that in addition to the "golden channel", $K^+\to\pi^+\nu\bar\nu$, the rare $K_L\to\pi^0 \ell\bar\ell$ decay, especially in the electron sector offers strong constraints on short-distance physics., Comment: 16 pages, 5 figures

Kaon physics is at a turning point -- while the rare-kaon experiments NA62 and KOTO are in full swing, the end of their lifetime is approaching and the future experimental landscape needs to be defined. With HIKE, KOTO-II and LHCb-Phase-II on the table and under scrutiny, it is a very good moment in time to take stock and contemplate about the opportunities these experiments and theoretical developments provide for particle physics in the coming decade and beyond. This paper provides a compact summary of talks and discussions from the Kaons@CERN 2023 workshop., Comment: 55 pages, Summary of Kaons@CERN 23 workshop, references updated, typos fixed, version as published in EPJC

The Experimental Cavern North 3 (ECN3) is an underground experimental cavern on the CERN Pr\'evessin site. ECN3 currently hosts the NA62 experiment, with a physics programme devoted to rare kaon decays and searches of hidden particles approved until Long Shutdown 3 (LS3). Several options are proposed on the longer term in order to make best use of the worldwide unique potential of the high-intensity/high-energy proton beam extracted from the Super Proton Synchrotron (SPS) in ECN3. The current status of their study by the CERN Physics Beyond Colliders (PBC) Study Group is presented, including considerations on beam requirements and upgrades, detector R&D and construction, schedules and cost, as well as physics potential within the CERN and worldwide landscape., Comment: 113 pages, 39 figures

We discuss the status of $b \to s \ell^+\ell^-$ decays in the post-$R_{K^{(*)}}$ era. The recent LHCb update of $R_K$ and $R_{K^*}$ measurements which are now compatible with the Standard Model, constrain new physics contributions to be lepton flavor universal, allowing only small deviations from this limit. Besides the latest LHCb measurements of $R_K$ and $R_{K^{*}}$, we also include the recent CMS measurements of $R_K$ and of the branching ratio of $B^+ \to K^+ \mu^+\mu^-$. We present a model-independent analysis of the $b\to s \ell^+ \ell^-$ data and investigate the implications of the different sets of observables. In addition, we consider multi-dimensional fits and discuss the significance of more complex new physics scenarios compared to one- and two-dimensional scenarios., Comment: 13 pages, 3 figures

A timely and long-term programme of kaon decay measurements at a new level of precision is presented, leveraging the capabilities of the CERN Super Proton Synchrotron (SPS). The proposed programme is firmly anchored on the experience built up studying kaon decays at the SPS over the past four decades, and includes rare processes, CP violation, dark sectors, symmetry tests and other tests of the Standard Model. The experimental programme is based on a staged approach involving experiments with charged and neutral kaon beams, as well as operation in beam-dump mode. The various phases will rely on a common infrastructure and set of detectors., Comment: Letter of Intent submitted to CERN SPSC. Address all correspondence to hike-eb@cern.ch

We discuss the implications of $b \to s \ell^+\ell^-$ measurements and their deviations with respect to the Standard Model predictions in a model-independent framework. We highlight in particular the impact of the recent updated measurements including the updated $B_s \to \phi \mu^+\mu^-$ branching ratios and angular observables, the recent CMS measurement of the branching ratio of $B_s\to\mu^+ \mu^-$, and the LHCb measured lepton flavour universality violating ratios $R_{K_S^0}$ and $R_{K^{*+}}$. In addition, we check the compatibility of the new physics effect for the theoretically clean observables with the rest of the neutral $B$ decays observables., Comment: 12 pages, 4 figures. Based on talks given by S.N. at FPCapri2022 and by F.M. at FCCP2022

This Letter provides a new determination of the ten real coefficients that describe the structure of the $K \to \pi\pi\pi$ amplitudes in the limit where isospin is conserved and complex phases, due to either CP violation or final-state rescattering, are neglected. This determination is obtained through a fit to the data on the Dalitz-plot structures and partial-decay rates collected during the last twenty years by several high-precision experiments. The fitting procedure and the way the experimental data have been handled in the fit are discussed in detail. Our fit leads to a more precise determination of the coefficients describing the linear and quadratic slopes of the $K \to \pi\pi\pi$ amplitudes., Comment: 18 pages, 6 tables

We present an overview of SuperIso v4.1 which is a public program for the calculation of flavour physics observables. We give examples of using SuperIso to constrain new physics scenarios with kaon physics and present the implications of rare B-decays., Comment: 9 pages, 3 figures. Contribution to the proceedings of "Computational Tools for High Energy Physics and Cosmology (CompTools2021)", Lyon, France

The kaon sector is characterised by several processes which are under active investigation across different experiments. In this work, we present the global picture that emerges from a study of the different decay modes. We begin by revisiting the theoretical component of these decays and providing up-to-date predictions of the Standard Model as well as the corresponding uncertainties. Several new features emerge, in particular for $K_{S,L}\to \mu\bar\mu$, and are presented in considerable detail. This offers an ideal platform for extracting the parameter space supported by the existing data. Motivated by possible lepton flavour universality violation in $B$ decays, we investigate such Beyond the Standard Model effects also in rare kaon decays. Without loss of generality, our primary analyses correspond to the paradigm where the Wilson coefficients for operators involving tau leptons are chosen to be equal to that involving the muon, i.e. $\delta C^\tau=\delta C^\mu$. We conclude by presenting the possible picture that can be achieved towards the end of the run of data accumulation in the planned experiments. This includes assumptions on possible sensitivity goals that the experiments can aim to achieve, in order to extract the kind of physics highlighted in this paper., Comment: 32 pages, 14 figures. v2: references added

We analyse the new physics implications of theoretically clean $b \to s$ observables in a model-independent approach and compare their coherence with the implications of other rare $B$-decays. A statistical comparison is done between the New Physics explanation and hadronic contributions as the source of the anomalies in angular observables of the $B\to K^*\mu\mu$ decay. We make projections for future measurements that indicate that LHCb will be in the position to discover lepton non-universality via a single observable using the Run 3 data. The global fit of rare $B$-decays is given within a multidimensional fit involving all the 20 relevant Wilson coefficients., Comment: 6 pages, 1 figure. Based on talks given by S.N. at EPS-HEP2021 and by F.M. at Corfu2021 and SUSY2021

We describe SuperIso v4.1, a public code for calculation of flavour observables, in the Standard Model and for New Physics scenarios in a model-independent way as well as for specific beyond the SM models such as two Higgs doublet models (2HDM), minimal supersymmetric Standard Model (MSSM) and next-to-minimal supersymmetric Standard Model (NMSSM)., Comment: 8 pages, 3 figures. Contribution to the proceedings of "Tools for High Energy Physics and Cosmology - TOOLS2020", Lyon, France

Recently the LHCb collaboration has confirmed the evidence for lepton flavour nonuniversality at the $3.1\sigma$ level via an updated measurement of $R_K$. In this work we analyse this evidence within a model-independent approach. We make projections for future measurements which indicate that LHCb will be in the position to discover lepton nonuniversality with the Run 3 data in a single observable. We analyse other ratios based on our analysis of the present measurements of the ratios $R_{K^{(*)}}$ and analyse if they are able to differentiate between various new physics options within the effective field theory at present or in the near future. We also compare the present deviations in the ratios with NP indications in the angular observables of exclusive $b \to s \ell\ell$ transitions. Finally, we update our global analysis considering all $b \to s \ell\ell$ observables altogether, including a 20-parameter fit in connection of a Wilks' test., Comment: 16 pages, 12 tables, 5 figures. v2: comments on LEE and references added

We analyse the results recently presented on the $B^{+} \to K^{*+} \mu^+ \mu^-$ angular observables by the LHCb Collaboration which show indications for New Physics beyond the Standard Model. Within a model-independent analysis, we compare the fit results with the corresponding results for the angular observables in $B^{0} \to K^{*0} \mu^+ \mu^-$., Comment: 3 pages, 5 tables, Addendum to arXiv:2006.04213. v2: LHCb reference added

One of the main indications for New Physics in rare $B$-decays is deduced from the tension between experimental and Standard Model predictions of the angular analysis of the $B^0 \to K^{*0} \mu^+\mu^-$ decay. There are however possible non-local hadronic effects which in principle can also explain these tensions. In this work, we consider a statistical approach for differentiating the source of the tension in $B^0 \to K^{*0} \mu^+\mu^-$ observables and we also investigate the prospects of such a comparison with future data from the LHCb experiment., Comment: Based on talks given at FPCP2020 and ICHEP2020, 6 pages, 2 figures

The new angular analysis of the decay $B \to K^* \ell^+ \ell^-$ recently presented by the LHCb Collaboration still indicates some tensions with the Standard Model predictions. There are several ongoing analyses to solve the problem of separating hadronic and New Physics effects in this decay, but the significance of the observed tensions in the angular observables in $B \to K^* \mu^+\mu^-$ is still dependent on a theory guesstimate of the hadronic contributions to these decays. Using the new data from LHCb we offer two tests which make a statistical comparison to determine whether the most favoured explanation of the anomalies is New Physics or underestimated hadronic effects. We then analyse the usefulness of these tests in two future scenarios. Finally, we update our global fits to all available $b \to s $ data and discuss the impact of the new LHCb measurements., Comment: 13 pages, 12 tables, 2 figures. v2: references added

We present a brief update of our model-independent analyses of the b->s data presented in the articles published in Phys. Rev. D96 (2017) 095034 and Phys. Rev. D98 (2018) 095027 based on new data on R_K by LHCb, on R_{K^*} by Belle, and on B_{s,d}-> mu^+ mu^- by ATLAS., Comment: 7 pages, 3 figures, 3 tables. Addendum to Phys. Rev. D96 (2017) 095034 and Phys. Rev. D98 (2018) 095027

The LHCb experiment has made several measurements in $b \to s$ transitions which indicate tensions with the Standard Model predictions. Assuming the source of these tensions to be new physics, we present new global fits to all Wilson coefficients which can effectively receive beyond the Standard Model contributions. While the theoretically clean ratios $R_{K^{(*)}}$ which are sensitive to lepton flavour non-universality may unambiguously establish lepton non-universal new physics in the near future, most of the other tensions with the SM in the $b \to s$ data, in particular in the angular observables of the $B\to K^* \mu\mu$ decay and in the branching ratio of the $B_s \to \phi \mu\mu$ decay, depend on the estimates of non-factorisable power corrections. Therefore, we also analyse the dependence of the new global fit on these corrections., Comment: 6 pages, 2 figures. Based on a talk given at the Seventh Workshop on Theory, Phenomenology and Experiments in Flavour Physics, Capri, 8-10 June 2018, to appear in the Proceedings

Assuming the source of the anomalies observed recently in $b \to s$ data to be new physics, there is a priori no reason to believe that - in the effective field theory language - only one type of operator is responsible for the tensions. We thus perform for the first time a global fit where all the Wilson coefficients which can effectively receive new physics contributions are considered, allowing for lepton flavour universality breaking effects as well as contributions from chirality flipped and scalar and pseudoscalar operators, and find the SM pull taking into account all effective parameters. As a result of the full fit to all available $b \to s$ data including all relevant Wilson coefficients, we obtain a total pull of 4.1$\sigma$ with the SM hypothesis assuming 10% error for the power corrections. Moreover, we make a statistical comparison to find whether the most favoured explanation of the anomalies is new physics or underestimated hadronic effects using the most general parameterisation which is fully consistent with the analyticity structure of the amplitudes. This Wilks' test will be a very useful tool to analyse the forthcoming $B\to K^* \mu^+ \mu^-$ data. Because the significance of the observed tensions in the angular observables in $B \to K^* \mu^+\mu^-$ is presently dependent on the theory estimation of the hadronic contributions to these decays, we briefly discuss the various available approaches for taking into account the long-distance hadronic effects and examine how the different estimations of these contributions result in distinct significance of the new physics interpretation of the observed anomalies., Comment: 20 pages, 7 figures. v2: $F_H(B^+ \to K^+ \mu^+ \mu^-)$ added to the global fit (with no significant change in the results), references added. v3: typos corrected

The LHCb measurements on the B ->$ K^*$$\mu^+ \mu^-$ angular observables have shown slight deviations from their Standard Model predictions. The significance of the deviations in the B -> $K^*$$\mu^+ \mu^-$ decay depends on the assumptions on the size of the non-factorisable power corrections. At present, there are no theoretical predictions on the size of these power corrections in order to identify whether the reason behind these anomalies is due to unknown hadronic corrections or New Physics effects. We have performed a statistical comparison of fitting the data to each of the possible explanations., Comment: 4 pages, 1 figure. Contribution to the proceedings of 52nd Rencontres de Moriond QCD and High Energy Interactions, La Thuile, March 25 - April 1, 2017

The LHCb measurements of certain ratios of decay modes testing lepton flavour non-universality might open an exciting world of new physics beyond the standard model. The latest LHCb measurements of R_K* offer some new insight beyond the previous measurement of R_K. We work out the present significance for non-universality, and argue that claims of 5 sigma deviations from the SM based on all present b -> s l+l- data including the ratios are misleading and are at present still based on guesstimates of hadronic power corrections in the b -> s l+l- angular observables. We demonstrate that only a small part of the luminosity of 50 fb^-1 foreseen to be accumulated by the LHCb will be needed to offer soon a definite answer to the present question whether we see a very small glimpse of lepton flavour non-universal new physics or not. We also present new predictions for other ratios based on our analysis of the present measurements of the ratios R_K^(*) and analyse if they are able to differentiate between various new physics options within the effective field theory at present or in the near future., Comment: 12 pages, 2 figures. v2: Extended version with a detailed analysis of future prospects, references added. v3: Analysis on the present and future role of B_s -> mu+ mu- added

The well-known problem of the unknown power corrections within QCD improved factorisation leaves the interpretation of the so-called LHCb anomalies in the angular observables of B-->K* mu+ mu- as an open problem. In order to contribute to the question whether they represent a first sign for new physics beyond the Standard Model or a consequence of underestimated hadronic power corrections, we present a direct comparison of two global fits to the data based on the two different assumptions. In addition, we summarise the possible options to resolve this puzzle in the future., Comment: 17 pages, 8 figures

We discuss the observed deviations in b -> s l+ l- processes from the Standard Model predictions and present global fits for the New Physics description of these anomalies. We further investigate the stability of the global fits under different theoretical assumptions and suggest strategies and a number of observables to clear up the source of the anomalies., Comment: 6 pages, 6 figures. Contribution to the proceedings of the Sixth Workshop on Theory, Phenomenology and Experiments in Flavour Physics - Capri, June 2016

Depending on the assumptions on the power corrections to the exclusive b -> s l+ l- decays, the latest data of the LHCb collaboration - based on the 3 fb^-1 data set and on two different experimental analysis methods - still shows some tensions with the SM predictions. We present a detailed analysis of the theoretical inputs and various global fits to all the available b -> s l+ l- data. This constitutes the first global analysis of the new data of the LHCb collaboration based on the hypothesis that these tensions can be at least partially explained by new physics contributions. In our model-independent analysis we present one-, two-, four-, and also five-dimensional global fits in the space of Wilson coefficients to all available b -> s l+ l- data. We also compare the two different experimental LHCb analyses of the angular observables in B -> K* mu+ mu-. We explicitly analyse the dependence of our results on the assumptions about power corrections, but also on the errors present in the form factor calculations. Moreover, based on our new global fits we present predictions for ratios of observables which may show a sign of lepton non-universality. Their measurements would crosscheck the LHCb result on the ratio R_K = BR(B+ -> K+ mu+ mu-) / BR(B+ -> K+ e+ e-) in the low-q^2 region which deviates from the SM prediction by 2.6 sigma., Comment: 41 pages, 24 figures. v2: references and comment on 1006.4945 [hep-ph] added

There are some slight tensions with the SM predictions within the latest LHCb measurements. Besides the known anomaly in one angular observable of the rare decay B -> K* mu+ mu-, another small discrepancy recently occurred. The ratio R_K = BR(B+ -> K+ mu+ mu-) / BR(B+ -> K+ e+ e-) in the low-q^2 region has been measured by LHCb showing a 2.6 sigma deviation from the SM prediction. In contrast to the anomaly in the rare decay B -> K* mu+ mu- which is affected by power corrections, the ratio R_K is theoretically rather clean. We analyse all the b -> s ll data with global fits and in particular explore the possibility of breaking of lepton universality. Possible cross-checks with an analysis of the inclusive B -> X_s l+ l- decay are also explored., Comment: 15 pages, 11 figures. v2: references added, to appear in JHEP

We provide a detailed analysis of the impact of the newly measured optimised observables in the B -> K* mu+ mu- decay by the LHCb experiment. The analysis is performed in the MSSM, both in the context of the usual constrained scenarios, and in the context of a more general set-up where the SUSY partner masses are independent. We show that the global agreement of the MSSM solutions with the data is still very good. Nevertheless, especially in the constrained scenarios, the limits from B -> K* mu+ mu- are now very strong, and are at the same level as the well-known b -> s gamma constraints. We describe the implications of the B -> K* mu+ mu- measurements both on the Wilson coefficients and on the SUSY parameters., Comment: 20 pages, 6 figures

We study the implications of the recent LHCb limit and results on Bs -> mu+mu- and B -> K* mu+mu- observables in the constrained SUSY scenarios. After discussing the Standard Model predictions and carefully estimating the theoretical errors, we show the constraining power of these observables in CMSSM and NUHM. The latest limit on BR(Bs -> mu+mu-), being very close to the SM prediction, constrains strongly the large tan(beta) regime and we show that the various angular observables from B -> K* mu+mu- decay can provide complementary information in particular for moderate tan(beta) values., Comment: 30 pages, 14 figures